The Rockhouse is a little piece of paradise perched on the cliffs above Pristine Cove in Jamaica.

About 1.5 hours drive from Montego Bay is the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril. Driving into Negril you go past all the mass produced, mass marketed resorts: Beaches, Couples, RIU... Keep driving through the town and a short drive later you swerve around a bend where you suddenly catch a glimpse of thatched roof villas and gleaming alabaster-colored stone high above the crystal blue sea.  

My husband and I haven't taken a real vacation since before the birth of our first child five years ago, and we are getting excited...

The Rockhouse has a friendly open atmosphere - its wooden gates stay open throughout the day allowing guests to come and go freely as they please.

We check in and are handed a single key on a brightly colored cord with "villa number one" on a little round metal tag. A friendly staff member leads us to our room, en route, he points out the open air dining room and lounge area with over-sized cushions where he explains we are welcome to take in the sunsets and enjoy a game of backgammon or chess. He then leads us down a pristine walk where we pass by a gorge in the cliff which leads down to a private cove, "a perfect area for snorkeling," he tells us. Snorkeling? Sure, I'll definitely add that to my list of to-do's while I'm here.

We three continue down the immaculate path lined with lush tropical foliage to what will be our private home for the next week - a premium villa with a private gate and stone deck shaped like the bow of a ship. I am bursting with glee by now, and truly speechless. At last, our porter ushers us into our villa, of which the entire front is sliding glass doors to take in the spectacular view of the cove.

A four poster bed with muslin netting and ceiling fan are the centerpiece of the room. The villa is spacious and is outfitted with a private outdoor shower, clear to the skies above.

The Caribbean heat is tempered with a dash of the modern convenience of air-conditioning and (if you care to indulge) thirst-quenching beverages - including Jamaica's own Ting and Red Stripe (to my husband's delight).

On the other side of the property (only minutes away) is the 60 foot cliff-top horizon pool, an outdoor yoga center, pool bar and yet another sundeck carved into the cliffs.

The Rockhouse has a full spa with services ranging from massage to body wraps, all in thatched roof open-sided buildings to afford you the breathtaking views.

This is an intimate property comprised of only 36 rooms, 7 premium villas, 13 villas, studios and standard rooms, and each boast a private deck with lounging furniture; all villas are mere steps from a ladder to the sea. 

The staff at Rockhouse are friendly and attentive - always with a smile while making sure "Everything alright?" It is a relaxed and calm atmosphere where you can soak in the sun all day long or escape on a myriad of adventures from visiting the reef with the Famous Vincent and his glass bottom boat (who comes to the cove each morning to pick you up) to snorkeling in the caves below the resort or delving deep by going scuba diving... the list is endless.

The restaurant at the Rockhouse is open to the cove, offering uninterrupted views of fish being fed - you may even catch a glimpse of an occasional turtle while dining. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner (and room service) the food at the Rockhouse is "new Jamaican cuisine" (the conch fritters are a must try!) - by far the best in Negril, attracting guests from other nearby resorts. If you are there for breakfast be sure to try the national dish of Jamaica: Ackee and Saltfish served with Bammy. Ackee is fruit that when cooked resembles scrambled egg and has a smooth mellow taste, bammy is cassava mashed and lightly fried - delicious!

If you choose to dine outside the Rockhouse (there really is no need to), I would recommend the Lions Head Restaurant, mere minutes up the road. This newly renovated rooftop restaurant offers wonderful juices and a true fine dining experience. Below the restaurant is an art gallery featuring a collection of work from local artists and craftspeople.

While there are no shortage of activities with which to occupy yourself, I must admit that my most treasured diversion was lying poolside at night gazing up at the sky laden with countless stars.

The Rockhouse is a true paradise for the senses perched on a cliff in Jamaica where everything is always "OK mon."

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